HB334 Alabama 2015 Session

Under existing law, there is a separate ballot for each party for which there are candidates in primary elections, and an elector may only vote for candidates of one political party

This bill would create a primary election system for state and local offices where all qualified candidates, including independent candidates, would have their names on the primary election ballot and all qualified electors may vote the same ballot

This bill would provide that the two candidates that receive the highest number of votes in a primary election, regardless of their party affiliation or lack thereof, would be placed on the ballot in the general election

This bill would also authorize the Secretary of State to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this act

Relating to primary elections; to amend 17-5-2, 17-5-7, 17-5-8, 17-6-21, 17-6-22, 17-9-3, 17-11-12, 17-13-1, 17-13-2, 17-13-3, 17-13-7, 17-13-8, 17-13-16, 17-13-18, 17-13-50, 17-16-45, 17-16-46, and 21-4-21, Code of Alabama 1975; to repeal Sections 17-13-19, 17-13-20, 17-13-21, and 17-13-42, Code of Alabama 1975; to create a primary election system for state and local offices where all qualified candidates, including independent candidates, would have their names on the primary election ballot and all qualified electors may vote the same ballot; to provide that the two candidates that receive the highest number of votes in a primary election, regardless of their party affiliation or lack thereof, would be placed on the ballot in the general election; and to authorize the Secretary of State to adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this act.